Free Pandemic Flu Conference

Pandemic influenza authority Dr. Arnold S. Monto will be the keynote
speaker at a summit in Alma on Oct. 23 designed to prepare the
general public and professionals in the public service, business and
health areas.

The deadline to register is Friday.

Sponsored by the Mid-Michigan District Health Department, the summit
is the second in a series of educational sessions to increase understanding
of the threats and implications of an influenza pandemic.

"The most resilient communities are the ones that plan and work
together," Health Officer Kim Singh said.

The health department district includes Gratiot, Montcalm and Clinton
counties.

Monto is professor of epidemiology at the University of Michigan School
of Public Health. He travels through continents sharing knowledge and
research on prevention and treatment of influenza, respiratory infections
and infectious disease.

A pandemic influenza "is not a question of if, but when" is the theme of the summit.

The program includes a panel discussion featuring officials from the
Michigan Department of Education, Michigan State Police, Michigan
Department of Community Health and Michigan Department of
Transportation.

Breakout sessions in the afternoon will focus on emergency
management, school, household and business preparation.

Already signed up to attend are 80 members of the business
community, chambers of commerce, community organizations, first
responders, government and religious leaders and health professionals.

The summit lasts from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Masonic Pathways on
Wright Avenue. There is no charge to attend. Lunch will be served.

Preregistration is required by phoning Leslie Kinnee at (989) 831-3646
or emailing lkinnee@mmdhd.org.